The fifth thread had been claimed.
Ryon's soul was heavier, his body stronger—but his time was still vanishing.
> System Reminder:
Days Remaining: 5
Required Harem Wives: 3 / 3 (Pending Full Bonding)
Virgin Souls: 5 / 30
Current Threat: Soul Collapse Delay – Active
New Objective Unlocked: "Secure a Sacred Pact"
And it led him back to the temple.
Back to Lyria.
The Cold Flame Priestess
Lyria stood at the altar of the Goddess Y'shai, her hands lifted in silent prayer. Incense burned slow and sweet around her, and white doves fluttered above the carved ceiling like restless spirits.
She didn't look surprised when Ryon approached.
"I was wondering when you'd return."
"You knew?"
"Of course. The moment the chains sang."
Ryon stepped closer. "I need something. Something only you can give."
Lyria turned. Her expression, calm. Controlled. Beautiful in its restraint.
"You need a pact," she said. "To seal what is unraveling."
> System Prompt: Sacred Pact – Initiation Possible Target: Lyria Bond Progress: 9% Required Conditions: Emotional Vulnerability + Ritual Alignment Pact Tier: Mid (Will stabilize soul path and unlock magical channeling)
Risk: If she resists, bond may fracture permanently The Cost of Purity Lyria led him into the inner sanctum, a place few had ever stepped.
There, magic was thick in the air—woven into the marble, stitched into the air like threads of fate.
She removed her ceremonial gloves slowly, revealing hands marked with purity seals burned into her flesh.
"I cannot give myself freely," she said. "Not like the others. My body is a shrine. My soul is an oath. If I break it…"
"You fall?"
She shook her head.
"I become something else."
Ryon reached out and gently took her hands.
"You're not a shrine. You're a person. A woman. You deserve to choose your fate."
Lyria stared at him for a long time.
Then whispered:
"Do you believe in me?"
"I believe in all of you."
The Pact Ritual
She removed her veil.
And Ryon stepped into the circle.
Two candles lit themselves. The runes on the floor glowed soft white, then gold.
Lyria placed a kiss on his brow—anointing him.
Then he returned the gesture—pressing his lips to her bare shoulder where the purity brand shimmered.
The seal broke.
> System Surge: Pact Initiated
Lyria's Bond: 9% → 16%
Virgin Soul Thread: Complete
Magical Affinity Gained: Lightbound Connection New Ability: Blessing Pulse – Temporarily purifies corruption zones Emotional Thread: Devotion Status: Pact Secured Lyria collapsed into him as the light faded, her breaths soft against his chest.
"You do something to me," she murmured.
"You mean drive you crazy?"
She smiled faintly.
"No. You make me want to believe again."
The Pact's Side Effect
As they left the sanctum, the System flared again:
> Hidden Reaction: Pact Ripple Detected
Soul Threads Nearby… stirring
Secondary Target: Kaela – Emotional Interference Subplot Shift: Triangle Warning Activated Secondary Target: Seyna – Suspicion Registered Effect: Harem Tension Level Raised Ryon sighed.
"Of course nothing's ever simple."
But when Lyria's hand brushed against his one last time…
He didn't regret a thing.